Goalkeeper signs new deal

5 August 2016

ShrewsWeb

Mark Halstead pleased to sign new contract

Shrewsbury Town are delighted to announce that goalkeeper Mark Halstead has signed a new one year deal with the club.
After joining Town from Blackpool two years ago Mark has mainly played understudy to Jayson Leutwiler, but has been a reliable figure in the Shrewsbury goal when called upon.
Having trained with the squad all summer, Mark was pleased to have finally got it over the line.
“It’s a good place to be,” admitted Mark.
“Although last season didn’t go to plan, I think with the signings and the recruitment that we’ve done this year, I think we should be a lot more stable, so it’s definitely a good place to be at the minute.
“It took longer than I would have liked, but it’s sorted now before the season starts and that's the main thing, and I’m ready to get going straight away.
“I’m as ready as I can be. Obviously I would have liked a few more minutes, but circumstances dictated that it wasn’t to be, but if I’m needed I’m more than ready to step in.”
Halstead made 16 league appearances last season and he was very clear about his aims for the coming campaign.
“To make the number one spot me own, simple as that,” Mark told ShrewsWeb.
“There’s no bitterness between me and Jayson, it’s a friendly rivalry, but ultimately it’s my career.
“I’m at the age now where I need to be playing games, so whether it’s an injury, suspension, drop in form, I’m determined to take that chance and make the number one shirt my own.”
Other options had been available to Mark, but he believes that he has made the right choice.
“Obviously you have to weigh up the possibilities of what else is about, what’s best for me and my family, my career, and with a day to go until the season, it wasn’t a hard choice,” said Mark.
“I’m more than happy to be here, I’m looking forward to getting started again.
“Nobody’s the finished article. I know my weaknesses and my strengths, it’s up to me to turn my weaknesses into strengths and I’ll keep working every single day.”